The Law on the adoption of urgent measures in the field of housing and urban planning, approved by the Parliament of Catalonia on 18th December, has been published in the Official Gazette of the Government of Catalonia dated 31 December 2025 and comes into force on 1 January 2026. The legislation introduces significant changes to rental regulations and the legal framework for housing in Catalonia.
Among the main new features, the following stand out: new regulation of seasonal contracts, which distinguishes between tourist or holiday use and contracts linked to professional, work, study or medical reasons, applying to the latter a regime very similar to that of renting a primary residence.
The law regulates for the first time the room contracts, establishing habitability requirements and price limits in areas with a tight residential market. Likewise, the Register of Large Property Owners, with new reporting obligations and a system of penalties for non-compliance.
Finally, the right of first refusal and pre-emption rights of the Administration and supervision and inspection of the rental market is strengthened through the creation of a Supervisory Commission.
From Rustic Corner, As real estate experts in Barcelona, we will continue to report on the impact of this regulation on property owners, tenants and real estate investors.
